triggerfish

[ trig-er-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) trig·ger·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) trig·ger·fish·es.

1. any of various compressed, deep-bodied fishes of the genus Balistes and allied genera, chiefly inhabiting tropical seas, having an anterior dorsal fin with three stout spines: some are edible while others are poisonous.

triggerfish

/ ˈtrɪɡəˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any plectognath fish of the family Balistidae , of tropical and temperate seas. They have a compressed body with erectile spines in the first dorsal fin

Word History and Origins

Origin of triggerfish¹

First recorded in 1880–85; trigger + fish

Example Sentences

Rhyne’s research lab — which includes breeding toothy queen triggerfish and red-striped yasha gobies— has been working to share his research with breeders as well.

From Seattle Times

The catch of the day, grilled triggerfish and barracuda, was worth the wait here.

From Washington Post

Snorkeling in the early morning, I was often one of the first people in the water, floating solo above humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or reef triggerfish, as they fed off the coral.

From Seattle Times

Eventually, it was determined the animal was likely a triggerfish.

From Fox News

According to the New York Post, the fish may have been identified as a triggerfish.

From Fox News